Many companies and organizations honor those who have served our country. We wanted to make sure you know who they are. The following programs are valid as of the writing of this post, but may change at any time.
Veteran Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs is also known as the "VA." It's a government agency that hopes to "fulfill President Lincoln’s promise" of taking care of military members and those that surround them. It has a ton of information about funding homes, businesses, education, and other post-military dreams. Veterans (and anyone married to one) may want to subscribe to the VA's newsletter. It's an excellent way to keep up with military news and benefits.
Home Base
Home Base has an Adventure Series that focuses on FREE activities for veterans, service members and their families. They want to make sure military families meet each other before, during, and after deployment. Home Base's motto is "there mission is complete, ours has just begun," and they're dedicated to "healing the invisible wounds of war." Past outings have included FREE tickets to Boston Duck Tours, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory Tour, hiking at Mount Mansfield in Vermont, sailing, kayaking, movie screenings, baseball games, and more. You can sign up for their newsletter to get direct notifications of FREE events.
Tmobile
Tmobile offers 40% off of family plans for veterans. The veteran must be designated as the primary account holder. This discount is open to military, reserve/guard, veterans, retirees, and gold star families. Tmobile requires documentation to verify military status (for example a DD1300 or DD214).
Apple
Veterans and immediate family members who live in the same home get 10% off. Veterans are required to verify their identity with ID.me.
Verizon
Verizon offers up to $25 off per month on their wireless plans. There's also special pricing for their Fios service, and discounts for business plans. Military verification through ID.me is required.
Comcast
Comcast used to offer a one-time $50 prepaid card for its veteran customers. It looks like the program has expanded to discounts on mobile plans and other exclusive benefits.
Home Depot
Home Depot offers 10% off select items for eligible veterans. The discount caps at $400 per calendar year. Participants will have to sign up through a third-party app to verify military status. Dependents, dishonorably discharged members, and non-military members (except for spouses) are not eligible. Through Home Depot's collaboration with two Exchanges, eligible veterans can also receive tax-free and special pricing on certain items like washers, dryers, freezers, microwaves, and more.
Lowe's
Lowe's offers 10% off of most regular priced items (sale items, other promotions, and previous purchases are not included). Lowe's extends this discount to veteran spouses. Verification through ID.me is required. Unlike Home Depot, there is no cap on how much the military discount can save a participant. Dishonorably discharged veterans are not eligible. Finally, we think it's cool that the store offers Veteran only parking spots.
Cotsco
When a veteran enrolls in a new Cotsco auto renewal membership, they will receive a $20 - $40 shop card. A spouse and/or dependent can apply too, but the promotion is limited to one per household. If you're a current Costco member, you can allow your membership to lapse for 18 months or more and then reapply as a new member.
BJs
Veterans get a $10 welcome bonus when they sign up for a $25 membership (regularly $55). This offer is only valid for new members and a verification process is required. Participants must also use their welcome bonus within 30 days. Discounts are limited to one per household and cannot be combined with other promotions.
Disney+
Disney+ offers veterans 25% off of their annual subscription. This discount is only available to new and eligible existing customers and cannot be combined with any other promotion.
AMC Theatres
AMC has two movie theaters in Boston (Dorchester and Downtown) and eight theaters in surrounding areas (including Braintree and Somerville). Their website doesn't specifically mention veterans, but feel free to ask if a military discount applies to you. Military members with photo IDs get a discount any day of the week. Premium and special events have additional charges.
Showcase Cinemas
Showcase Cinemas has movie theaters minutes from Boston (in Dedham, Chestnut Hill, and Randolph). Veterans (and their guests) are offered special pricing on Veterans Day. Purchases have to be made at the box office with ID.
Service Credit Union
Service Credit Union has a military savings account with a pretty competitive APY. A $5 minimum deposit is required. The credit union also offers VA (veteran affairs) loans. VA loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance, and are for primary residences only.
USAA
USAA provides financial services to military families including insurance, banking, VA loans, annuities, IRAs, 529 plans, automated investing, and so much more.
Boston Children's Museum
Veterans receive FREE admission with their ID.
USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution offers FREE admission to veterans with photo I.D.
Museum of Science
Veterans get FREE admission on Veterans Day. Veterans may have to call in advance and present their DD Form 2 or DD214 upon arrival.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Veterans get $4 off when they visit the JFK Museum.
Museum of Fine Arts
Veterans and up to 5 family members can visit the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) for FREE. Veterans can also get $7 special exhibit tickets with a veteran ID.
New England Aquarium
Veterans get $10 off aquarium tickets. Proof of veteran status (such as DD forms, an NGB form, or a veteran’s ID card) is required.
United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum
Veterans pay $12.
Kings
This bowling facility has multiple locations in and near the city, each with different promotions. In the past veterans bowled FREE (this included shoe rental). Proof of service was required. Please check with your local Kings if they are still offering this deal.
Veteran's Cruise by Boston Harbor Now
Boston Harbor Now celebrates Veteran's day with a special cruise. It's a family-friendly event, that offers a trip to George's Island.
That's it for our list! Please do not be afraid to regularly ask a place if they offer veteran discounts. Many organizations and businesses also offer special savings on Veteran's Day -- which is November 11th. We understand the strength it takes to have served, or be related to someone who has. From our family to yours -- thank you so much for your service!!
Until next time…
Love the Journey,
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